US Bridges

Pa 56 over Paint Creek

Fair

Cambria County, Pennsylvania · 67 Ft West of Somerset CO · Structure no. 000000000008420

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
67 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
21,057
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pa 56 over Paint Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Pa 56 over Paint Creek in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 years old, older than the Pennsylvania average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 21,057 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,993 by 2032. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPa 56
CrossesPaint Creek
Location67 Ft West of Somerset CO
RouteState Highway 56
CountyCambria County
StatePennsylvania
Coordinates40.24603, -78.85014
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21,057 (2024)
Projected traffic21,993 by 2032
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pa 56 over Paint Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pa 56 over Paint Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does Pa 56 over Paint Creek carry?

About 21,057 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Pa 56 over Paint Creek?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m).

Who owns Pa 56 over Paint Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.